How do we identify a true disciple of Christ?

Scott Aniol explains that a disciple of Christ is identified as someone who is intentionally following Him. This begins with repentant faith, recognizing the need for salvation due to sins committed against a holy God, and placing complete trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. The first question to ask when determining who is a disciple, therefore, is whether they have repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ.

However, true discipleship goes beyond mere belief. A disciple is one who seeks to live out their faith, following the teachings and example of Christ. This includes examining how the individual lives their life, beyond their stated beliefs. A true disciple is not just intellectually accepting gospel truths but actively seeking to follow Christ in every aspect of their life. This transformation and ability to follow Christ can only come from the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.

John 15:8 (NKJV): "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."

We identify a disciple of Jesus as somebody who is intentionally following Christ. So that must first and foremost begin with repentant faith. Someone is not a disciple who has not recognized his or her need of salvation. The fact that he or she has sinned against a holy God and deserves righteous judgment and who has placed their faith and trust then in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. That has to be the first step.

So if I want to determine who a disciple is, that's the first question I'm going to ask. Have you repented of your sins and believed in Jesus Christ? But then even more than that, a disciple is somebody who is intentionally then seeking to live that out and follow the leadership of Christ, both in what Christ taught and in how Christ lived. And so you look at someone's life. You certainly look at what someone believes and doctrine is important and repentant faith is important But then you ask questions about how is this person living?

Is this person intentionally Seeking to follow Christ and everything that he does Because the fact of the matter is, there are people who intellectually assent to the truths of the gospel. They say they believe Jesus is the Son of God. They say that they acknowledge that they are a sinner. They say that they believe Jesus died on the cross for their sins. But Nevertheless, if they're not seeking to actively follow Christ, which is what discipleship is, then at minimum we ought to question that person, are you truly a disciple?

Has this moved past simply intellectual assent to actual faith in Jesus Christ and a desire to follow him in our lives. And ultimately what that takes is the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Someone is not going to desire to want to follow Christ and really will not even have the ability to follow Christ unless the Holy Spirit of God changes his or her heart. So we look at what someone believes, we look at how someone is attempting to live, and that helps us determine whether that person truly is a disciple of Christ.